post concussion syndrome
 

bascially, i'm 20 at the moment, got cocnussion in may last year from hitting my head on the kitchen floor, was in my first year of uni, didt do my exams that term, but had to write essays over the summer, so I thought everythign was better. Went back into my second year, and realised I couldn't remember lectures and stuff, adn it was way more difficult than it should hae been. So I'm taking a (few) year(s) out of uni. saw a consultant in dec, and they said it should get better in 5 years. its a long time (to me anyway)
basically, i was wondering if ny of you lot had any ideas of how to cope, my memory hasnt got at all better since last may, like I can't remember stuff people hae tol dme for more than bout 10 mins, and sometimes i completely forget if someones even spoken to me that day. even though I write stuff down, you can't write everything down can you!?
all of my friends are at uni, and can do stuff I cant, like remember what the did yesterday, get drunk, read stuff thats more than a page long without completely forgetting it. i don;t feel normal any more. and i think i come acrosss as stupid cos sometimes i cant think of words, or get the wrong words.
what am i meant to do??

Hi bbmac,

my heart goes out to you. I think that the best thing that you can do is have a good read of some previous posts. I recall that there are a few other young people who were at university who have pcs. At least age is on your side - you have better hope of recovery when you are young! You also must avoid stress and becoming tired. I made the mistake in my first year of pushing myself too much and I firmly believe that is why I have not recovered. You need to look after yourself and be kind to yourself.

Lynlee

BBMac, let me say a few things that might help.

Firstly - you are not alone.
I have had PCS since 2005. It was hard and it was rough ride, I am not going to lie. It really sent me on this hellish journey of problems and stress.. but listen, after 3 years, things have started getting better. I am stronger, I have changed my life within, worked on things that really matter and changed my attitude and perception. One of the greatest things that I learnt was to be positive and to stop worrying. I cannot stress that enough. Positivity even in the darkest moments seems like a difficult thing to do but if you can make it habit, you'll be bouncing back in no time. Every day is a step up and you WILL get there. I used to think that my life was over for so long. I couldn't do anything after my accident. I spent a year on the sofa. I was depressed, ill, dizzy and in constant discomfort and surrounded by sadness. Today, just 3 years later - I am working part time in a very enjoyable job, I have a better understanding of myself, my life and what matters to me and my symptoms are less severe - I know how to deal with them better too.

You must learn to understand that with time and positive thinking, you will find a new you and recovery will come faster. I know it's hard but stick with it. Believe me, I've been through it so I know.

Thanks
Gerbil.